My thoughts on Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

Camera? Check. Presenter booked? Check. Popcorn in hand? Check.

These were essentially the only thoughts running through my mind as I attended the media screening of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom at the Waterfront today. It was all logistics, really – I just needed to get there on time, see the movie, shoot a tiny little link and then hopefully make it back to the office in time to watch Hectic Nine-9.

It was a case of head over heart, as only once I walked through the wooden cinema doors did it emotionally register that I was about to watch a biographical film based upon the life of perhaps the greatest hero to walk the planet. I realized I’d be best off if I left the chaos of Monday at the door, if I were to truly appreciate the film.

Based on Madiba’s book Long Walk To Freedom, the film of course chronicles our former president’s early life, his education, his imprisonment and the events leading up to his iconic presidential inauguration. Yes, we’ve heard it all before, so would the movie bring the story to life?

Unequivocally, it did just that.

I can’t recall being moved to tears too many times in the cinema, but this film did the trick. While I wasn’t quite howling from my seat, I was extremely moved by the performances of Idris Elba (who played Nelson Mandela) and Naomie Harries as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Early on in the film, Elba’s attempts to match the distinctive intonation and tone of the great Madiba came across as slightly patronizing, but I warmed to his performance with each passing minute and by the end of the film, what emerged was a heartfelt, powerful and unwavering depiction of the former president.

Similarly, I found Harries initially unrecognisable as Winnie, but again what unravelled (as much as her character unravels!) is a striking interpretation of the women that, through those testing years, stood by Madiba in his resolute quest for equality.

I’ll mention here that the use of British actors to portray the roles of Madiba and Winnie has been heavily criticised as being a missed opportunity to further develop local talent and to use South Africans that can more accurately depict these significant characters, cultures and dialects. However, I believe this argument is only valid if the end result falls short and I think that’s far from the truth. I also hold the belief that in an unnecessarily brazen attempt to stamp the South African mark on the rest of the world, we neglect to appreciate the contribution of those from other cultures and countries. ‘Proudly South African’ is a positive and necessary mind-set, but as far as I know, we do share a single planet.

Back to the film, I found the cinematography to be an outstanding aspect. The film-makers must have faced an incredible challenge capturing the life of Madiba in a world – and specifically in a South Africa – that in many ways bears little visual resemblance to the streets and villages our young Madiba frequented. For example, Nelson Mandela’s iconic village in the Eastern Cape now features a museum and a hotel for tourists, so the Drakensberg in Kwazulu-Natal provided a fitting substitute and these scenes were quite breath-taking, with the earthiness and tranquillity of his village life in stark contrast to the battles - quite literally - he faced as he fought against racial segregation.

The grittiness of the conflicts between blacks and whites, both in cities and in the townships, were expertly crafted. In many instances, it wasn’t very easy to watch at all.

On a more personal note, I found it fascinating to observe the use of transportation in the movie, which very accurately showcased the vehicles used in those specific periods. Where these guys got hold of pristine Ford Cortinas, E30 BMW 3 Series’ and Toyota Cressidas, I don’t know, but they did and these models were as well-chosen the set pieces and props in general, adding real authenticity to the picture.

Further praise must be heaped upon the make-up artists and stylists, who responded to the challenge of ‘ageing’ the cast admirably. As I hinted at earlier, I think this ageing process had something to do with my gradually increasing appreciation of Idris Elba’s performance as the movie progressed. His impeccable interpretation of an older Madiba’s distinctive gait also deserves a thumbs up!

But at the end of the day, nothing can overshadow the magnitude of Madiba’s life story, and it is this story that kept me transfixed throughout.  To have such monumental odds stacked against you and to emerge triumphant based not only on your actions, but your refusal to wilt and to have your spirit crushed, remains one of the great human feats we’ve all been fortunate enough to draw inspiration from.

A stellar supporting cast (including a memorable performance by Tony Kgoroge, as Walter Sisulu) and an entirely appropriate soundtrack that takes you into the heart of each painful and exultant moment of Madiba’s life only added to the strength of the film.

Some scenes, such as Mandela’s first meeting with then-president F.W. de Klerk and his first address to supporters after being released, made me feel quite tense. What strength and fortitude must our real Madiba have harboured to handle these overwhelming pressures with such poise?

I think that every South African needs to see this film, which beautifully and often harrowingly brings to life a story worth telling time and time again.

I’ll leave with you my favourite Madiba quote:

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."